BroadwayHD is a new online subscription, on-demand service that offers digital streaming of Broadway plays, according to Variety magazine.
Launched on Oct. 26, BroadwayHD is a groundbreaking service that lifts the curtain on Broadway theater and brings it "from the stage to your screen," according to a company press release.
Basically, BroadwayHD is Broadway on-demand, noted CNBC. The new service will feature performances from many high-profile actors such as Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig and Anthony Hopkins, to name a few.
The service offers a library of more than 100 titles from Broadway Worldwide's Direct from Broadway catalog, such as "Memphis," "Jekyll and Hyde The Musical" and "Putting It Together," reported The Chicago Tribune.
Tony Award-winning Broadway producers Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Land founded BroadwayHD in 2014, according to the press release. Initially, the producers brought the stage theater to movie theaters nationwide. Moviegoers watched Broadway productions of "Romeo and Juliet" starring Orlando Bloom in their local theaters.
"We will always be live theatre lovers first, so we acted quickly when we saw an unmet opportunity to expand the reach of theatre to those that can't experience it or want to keep experiencing it over and over," Stewart F. Lane said. "Given advances in streaming technology and the increasing trend of readily available content, we knew that a digital platform that allowed people to experience a theatrical show – a medium that historically is not available beyond the stage – would be monumental."
"Nothing will ever replace the magic of live theatre, but we passionately believe that Broadway and all forms of professional theatre should be more accessible to all, no matter location," Bonnie Comley said. "Currently BroadwayHD offers viewers an immersion into some of the timeless classics of Broadway, West End and other professional productions. It's our vision that one day every play, musical and alternative performance that comes to a professional stage will be captured for people to continue to experience the magic for years to come."
Broadway fans have responded positively on Twitter:
Anyone with a connected electronic device – mobile phones, tablets, desktops or laptops – or access to TV, Apple TV or Google Chromecast can stream BroadwayHD. Users can subscribe for $14.99 per month for unlimited access to Broadway plays (like Netflix gives you unlimited online streaming for a monthly fee) or pay $7.99 per show rental.
BroadwayHD is available online at BroadwayHD.com.
